Parliament Question: Qualification Criteria for Judicial Service Examinations

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3558 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 13TH MARCH, 2026 QUALIFICATION CRITERIA FOR JUDICIAL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS †3558. SHRI BHARAT SINGH KUSHWAH: Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Supreme Court has mandated a minimum three years of legal practice for appearing in the Judicial Service examinations; (b) whether the Government is aware that the said condition is likely to make entry more difficult especially for women candidates, economically weaker sections and youth from non-legal backgrounds seeking appointments to the judicial service; (c) if so, whether the Government is considering withdrawing or diluting the compulsory practice period of three years by bringing in a new law keeping in view the problems faced by these sections; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, whether the Government proposes to introduce any financial assistance or any special assistance scheme for such candidates so as to ensure equal opportunities in judicial services? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) (a) to (d): As per the Constitutional framework, in exercise of powers conferred under the proviso to Article 309 read with Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution, the respective State Government, in consultation with the High Court, frames the rules and regulations regarding the appointment and recruitment of Judicial Officers in Lower Judiciary. *****